Joachim Buwembo
6 July 2009
opinion
Nairobi — This month will be 40 years since two momentous events of significance to Uganda took place.
The country had been independent for seven years since 1962, and several events took place in 1969 that should have acted as a reminder that it is time for the nation to rethink its course towards development. Maybe it did; maybe it didn't.
Only a look at what has been attained 40 years later can help us to draw some conclusions.
It was in July 1969 when the first reigning pontiff visited Black Africa.
Pope Paul VI flew down to Uganda in a brand new VC 10 of The East African Airways which had been acquired and customised for the purpose.
It was a momentous event which brought all presidents of neighbouring states to Kampala in a pilgrimage to honour the 22 Ugandan martyrs whom the church had canonised a few years earlier.
Forty years later, Christianity has spread all over the country, thanks to the Born Again churches as well.
But how deep has Christianity penetrated into the believers?
That is what Ugandan clergy and believers should be pondering today.
In the same month of July 1969, the American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. This was an American achievement which Armstrong himself described as a major step by mankind (not exact word).
Uganda was one of the countries enjoying good relations with the United States and rock samples from the moon were soon after brought to Uganda for public viewing.
Hundreds of young Americans were at the place working in Ugandan villages under the Peace Corps programme, teaching in schools and working on community development projects.
Since there were adults of sane minds in charge of the country's politics and academic institutions, this was a great time to link up with the world power then to start developing the country's industry, research and infrastructure.
That same year, the deposed king of Buganda, Kabaka Edward Mutesa, died in London.
It was time to rethink the position of Buganda in Uganda. As the year came to a close, President Milton Obote was shot in the mouth at Lugogo Stadium in Kampala. He survived death by a whisker.
How far has Uganda come 40 years after these momentous events?
Forty years is enough time to (re)create an entity and view results, even that entity be a full human being.
Jesus Christ, Bob Marley, our own Philly Lutaya, had all accomplished their life mission by their mid-30s and passed on. The Asian countries and Israel took 40 years to develop irreversibly after independence.
What happened after the Ugandan president was shot in the mouth for overstaying in power for two years 40 years ago?
He banned political parties, precipitated a coup against his government and the rest is history, Is Uganda now more democratic 40 years later?
What happened to our industry, technology and infrastructure development after 40 years of goodwill gestures from the United States?
What has happened to traditional leadership institutions 40 years after the country's most prominent monarch died a pauper in a London council flat?
Is it possible for a man or a country to start afresh and succeed after 40? Maybe yes. At least, hopefully it is.
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